The last games of the group stage in the Copa Libertadores are set to keep fans looking at the possible permutations and shocks, with teams such as Santos, Boca Juniors, and River Plate still eager to seal their presence in the next round.
Last week, we saw River Plate getting a massive win against Santa Fe with only eleven available players and with midfielder Enzo Pérez as a goalie. Being the story of the tournament so far, we can't wait to see what the final games of the group stage have to offer for us.
This is how each group is shaping up prior to this week's games:
Group A is all done and dusted, with Palmeiras and Defensa y Justicia having sealed their spot in the next round. Now, Independiente and Universitario will lock horns to see which side enters the Copa Sudamericana.
As for Group B, all teams have a mathematical chance of making the next round. Internacional and Deportivo Táchira are ahead at the moment, but Bolivian side Always Ready and Olimpia will not go down without a fight.
Group C could hold one of the biggest surprises in the tournament, as Barcelona have already sealed their spot in the next round. The big surprise will come when we know if Santos or Boca Juniors are eliminated from the tournament. In fact, both of them could lose their spot in the next round if they draw their game and The Strongest beat Barcelona! It would be a disaster for both South American titans.
The same goes for Group D, where River hold the lead so far. Nevertheless, a loss for Los Millonarios against Fluminense and a win for Junior could eliminate them from the tournament.
Group E is also settled, with Racing and Sao Paulo already through to the next round. The Copa Sudamericana spot is currently owned by Sporting Cristal, but Uruguayan side Rentistas might still have a say on the matter.
Regarding Group F, Argentinos Juniors are not only through, but the red and white side can be considered as one of the favorites to win the title. The other KO stage spot is up for grabs between Universidad Católica, Atlético Nacional, and Nacional.
Group G has seen Flamengo and Vélez claim their spots in the next round, with the winner of the group set to be known this week. Meanwhile, LDU Quito may still play international football in the Copa Sudamericana, but they have to be wary of Unión La Calera's result.
As for Group H, Atlético Mineiro have already won the group, and the team that will join them in the KO stage will be determined between Cerro Porteño and América de Cali. Whichever side loses could be involved in the Copa Sudamericana.
Matchday 6 will kick off with six games, including the matches River vs Fluminense and Cerro Porteño vs América de Cali, which will determine the fate of all the teams mentioned.
As for Wednesday, which will also feature six games, the games that will determine the teams that make it to the next round in Group B will have an early kickoff. To top it all, Boca vs Santos will be one of the games to watch.
Thursday's games will put an end to a hectic group stage, and the clash between Flamengo and Vélez will come as a nice way to finish it. The other key game taking place that day will be the Universitario vs Palmeiras game, with the defending champions eager to put an end to the group stage with a convincing win.
Here's the full schedule for Matchday 6 in the 2021 Copa Libertadores6
